But she’d refused to listen.
Not that he blamed her. He had treated her terribly, and she had every right to hate him. At times he could see her softening towards him, but then she’d blink, and her eyes would become guarded. How could he make her understand that he broke the engagement for her own good?
His valet’s voice came from behind him. “Which cravat would you care to wear today?”
“I care not,” Colin grumbled. “Just give me a blasted cravat.”
“White, it is.”
Colin turned around to face the man. “Why is it that it is easier to fight in a war than it is to converse with a lady?”
“It usually is.” Simon gave him a knowing look. “I must assume that you are speaking of Lady Arabella.”
“I am.”
Simon approached with the cravat. “Women are finical creatures, and you must approach them as you would a skittish horse.”
“I would agree, but Arabella is so…” His voice trailed off as he attempted to find the word that would describe her. “Complicated.”
“That does describe most women, my lord.”
Colin finally accepted the cravat and started tying it around his neck. “It was much easier when we were on the peninsula.”
“That may be true, but I must admit I prefer sleeping on a bed than the ground.”
“As do I,” Colin agreed as he dropped his hands.
Simon extended him a blue jacket. “I would encourage you to be patient with Lady Arabella,” he said. “You aren’t trying to win a battle, but the war.”
“You make a good point.”
“I usually do,” Simon replied, smiling.
Colin chuckled as he walked over to the door. “I shall see you after my ride.”
Colin found his mother standing at the top of the stairs, speaking to a maid. He waited politely for her to finish before he leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Mother,” he greeted. “How are you this morning?”
“I am well,” she replied.
“Do you intend to join us for breakfast this morning?”
She nodded. “I do.”
“Wonderful,” he replied, offering his arm. “Allow me the privilege of escorting you to the dining room.”
As she placed her hand on his sleeve, she said, “I’m afraid I haven’t seen very much of you these past few days.”
“That isn’t true,” he responded. “We saw each other when we dined with Lady Langdon.”
“But you left early,” she pointed out.
“I did.”
“With no real explanation.”
Colin glanced over at her. “I believe you already had John interrogate me.”
“I did, but it didn’t yield the results I was hoping for.”
